The Race Around the Universe

One day, the sage Narada visited Mount Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He carried a golden mango and said, "This is no ordinary fruit. Whoever eats it will gain great wisdom. But it must not be cut or shared!"

Both sons — Kartikeya and Ganesha — wanted it. So Shiva and Parvati said, "Whoever goes around the whole universe three times and returns first shall have the mango."

Kartikeya smiled. He had a swift peacock as his ride! He jumped on and zoomed off into the sky, flying past stars and planets.

Ganesha looked at his little mouse. How could a tiny mouse carry him around the whole universe faster than a peacock? Ganesha thought quietly for a moment. Then he smiled.

He folded his hands, walked slowly around his mother and father three times, and bowed. "My parents are my whole universe," he said. "Going around you is going around everything that matters."

Shiva and Parvati were touched by his wisdom and love. When Kartikeya returned, tired from his long journey, he found Ganesha already holding the golden mango.